Water treating apparatus



March 28, 1950 J. F. sEBALD WATER TREATING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 17, 1946 miam h k6 16.5 mw om.

F. Sebald NVENTOR.

J'oseph March 28, 1950 J. F, SEBALD 2,502,349

WATER TREATING APPARATUS Filed May 17, 1946 I 7 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR.

FG- 2 Joseph' rasebald www 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 17, 1946 J'oseph F. Sebald INVENTOR.

FIGJO March 28, 1950 J. F. sEBALD 2,502,349

WATER TREATING APPARATUS Filed May 17, 1946 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 @j Joseph F. Sebld INVEN TOR.

' March 28, 1950 I l L vpiqdp 4 I 2,502,349

'WATER TREATING APPARATUS Filed May 17. 1946 '7` SlxeeJcs-SheeI 5 FIG. e

Joseph F'. Seba-Id INVEN TOR.

BY t gwn...

March 28, '1950 J. F', s EBALD WATERTREATING APPARATUS Filed may 17, 194e 'T Sheets-Sheet 6 w v (V30.

FIG-.7

U'oseph F. Sebald INVENTOR March 2s, 195o JQF. Slg-.BALB

WATER TREATING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May 17, 1946 2| FIG. ya.

F'IG. I3

J'oseph F. Sebald INVENTOR.

Patented Mar. 28, QS

29 Claims. l

This invention relates to Water treatment orv by chemical action within the softener and with which a recirculating system is employed for recirculating through the softener treated water for the purpose of maintaining substantially constant the quantity water flow through the softener as described in my prior Patent Number 2,365,293, dated December 19, 1944, and it embodies, additionally, the novel features of means for stopping the recirculation of treated water through the softener as the softener approaches full load operation, that is cut off the recirculation of the treated Water when the demand for treated water approaches the capacity operation of the apparatus. UAnother object of the present invention is to provdemeans, associated with and embodying theA pump used for recirculating treated Water, for introducing large quantities of Water into the softening or treating chamber during the starting period of the apparatus for the purposeof stirringvup all heavily settled sludge in the' apparatu's, which is necessary to proper operation 'ofthe apparatus after it has been shut down 'over an extended period. f I "Another object of this invention is to provide means, employing the treated waterrecirculating pump-which means may when occasion and/or conditions of operation necessitate, pick up a relatively small amount of sludge through the recirculation system of the apparatus for the pur'- pose of speeding up the chemical reaction and precipitation of the foreign matter in the softenin'g apparatus and for a continuous agitation 'of settled sludge in the apparatus.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a Water softening or treating apparatus which includes a primary recirculation chamber in which recirculation of the Water, chemicals, and precipitates is induced by the action of an eductor through which the water to Eb'e treatedenters the apparatus and also to prof`vide means for adjusting the position of the 'nozzle of the eductor so that the quantity of re- @feature ofl a series of arcuate impingement UNITED STATES MParrain' oFFIcE Joseph F. Sebald, BloomeldpN. J., assignor to Worthington Pump and Machinery Corporation, Harrison, N. J., a corporation of Delaware Application May 17, 1946, Serial No. 670,396

(c1. v21o-16) liquid below' the primary mixing chamber and to provide in eiect a second mixing chamber;

from which the floc mixture passes into and through a suitable annular passage into the oc.

settling chamber. The annular flow passage is provided with directing vanes to provide rotative'4 oc distribution-as the oc mixture ows to the settling chamber.

the floc concentration in the primary and secondary mixing spaces.

apparatus to change the soluble calcium car-- bonatehardness remaining in the treated Water after the lime-'soda treatment to precipitate 'of calcium phosphate which is removed from the water by filtration. In other instances, it is desirable to feedother treating chemicals into the Water after the lime-soda treatment such as sulphuric acid to regulate or control the hydrogen'v ion concentration of the treated water, and an object of the present invention is to provide means for introducing such chemicals into the Water after the lime-soda treatment and to'con' trol thequantity of such chemicals in direct proportion to the quantity fiow of-raw water, to be treated, into the apparatus. Also in some instances it is desirable to introduce a coagulant suchas, alum, ferrie-sulphate or thelike into the apparatus, adding such coagu'f ylant, directlyin the mixing chamber of the ap# 'paratus, so as to increase the rate of flocculation and size ofoc particle, and a further object o f thefinvention is to control the flow of such coagulant to the apparatus in direct proportion to the quantity of raw water entering the apparatus` r l With these and other objects in View, as may appear .from the accompanying specification, the inventionconsists of various features of construction and combination of parts, which will be first described in connection with the accompanying drawings, showing a Water treating system and apparatus of `a preferred form embodying the invention, and the features forming the invention will be specifically pointed out in the claims.' .In the drawings: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic View of the Water treating apparatus and system.' f L 'Figure 2 is a vertical section through the Water treating? apparatus.l l f' The invention embodies ther further novel feature of adjustment of these ow` direction vanes to provide or permit variation of? line 'I-'I of Figure 2.

i Figure 8 is a plan view of the stationary flow directing vanes employed in the water treating apparatus and taken approximately on the lines 8 8 of Figure 2.

Figure 9 is a detail elevation of afloat operated switch employed for controlling operation of the Y recirculating pump.

Figure 10 is a detail View of the switch shown in Figure 9 and taken on the line Ill-I0 of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic View of a magnetic starter employed in the system.

Figure 12 is a detail section of a liquid level oat actuated control employed in the system.

Figure 13 is a section through a pressure operated valve mechanism employedin the system.

Figure 14 is a detail section through a pressure actuated valve structure employed in the system for controlling the pressure differential across the pressure actuated valves shown in Figure 13.

In describing the invention specically with reference to the drawings, the water softener will be first described and subsequently its use and association with other elements in the system as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings will be taken up.

The water treating or softening apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical receptacle I which opens at its top through a weir 2 formed by a series of annularly spaced notches 3 into the treated water storage space 4 from which the water after treatment is drawn oir for use through the outlet 5.

` Raw water to be treated enters the apparatus through the raw water inlet B from the main or raw water supply pipe 51 into the chamber or space 1. The chamber or space 'I is confined within a cylindrical housing 8 into which the water inlet nozzle 9 extends, as clearly shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. The water inlet nozzle 9 has its upper end closed and is provided with inlet openings Ill through which the raw water flows from the chamber or space "I, into the nozzle 9.

The nozzle 9 has a rod II connected to its upper end whch is extended through a suitable stuffing box I2 and through the nut I3 carried by a hand wheel I4 so that by rotation of the hand wheel I4 the nozzle 9 may be raised or lowered for the purpose hereinafter more specifically described. The lower end of the nozzle 9 has a discharge tip I5 thereon which discharges into the upper flared end I6 of an eductor I1. The upper flared end I6 of the eductor I1 has its outlet opening into the straight connecting portion I8 which in turn discharges into the small inlet end of the downwardly and outwardly flaring outlet I9 of the eductor I'I.

The eductor I'I discharges the raw water into the primary mixing space located centrally within the receptacle I at the bottom of the receptacle and against a plurality of arcuate impingement baies 2I arranged soL as -to impart rotational ow to the liquid discharged from the i eductor. The baffles 2| are arranged and connected to form the impingement baffle structure or unit 22.

The nozzle I5 discharging into the flaring upper end I6 of the eductor I'I will provide an eduction action causing a circulation of water and precipitated floc in the circulation chamber or space 23. The space 23 is formed by the annular partition 24, which is located axially within the receptacle I directly above the mixing chamber 20. Suitable braces 24 and 24a. are provided for supporting the annular partition 24 in place. A chemical reagent is fed into the circulating chamber 23 through the inlet nozzle structure 25 so that the circulating action of the water induced by the eductor I'I will cause a thorough mixing and circulation of the water and the lime-soda to cause precipitation of the foreign materialI into what is commonly known as floc. The circulation of the floc and some of the water through the eductor, mixing chamber 29 and circulation chamber 23 will facilitate a precipitation of the foreign material in the mixture, increase the size of the floc particles and facilitate the purification of the water. The mixture of floc and water flows outwardly from the impingement baille structure 22 into the primary recirculation and secondary -mixing space 26 which is an annular space below and outwardly of the annular partition 24. The mixture flows upwardly through this primary recirculation and secondary mixing space 26 where it is engaged by the flow directing vanes 21. The raw water ejected by the nozzle I5 into the fiaring end of the eductor Il causes an intake or inflow of mixed water, chemical, and such oc as has been precipitated into the eductor I'I. This mixture picked up from the circulating chamber or space 23 is discharged by the eductor into the mixing space 20 wherein further mixing agitated action is set up by the baiiies 2| of the impingement baffle structure 22. The agitated kaction set up by the structure 22 continues as the mixture of chemicals, water and floc passes into the primary recirculation and secondary mixing space 26 causing a continuation of the mixing action of the chemical, water and oc in this space 26. From the space 26 the mixture passes in gradually decreasing rotary movement upwardly into and through the precipitation space 26' wherein the foreign matter, contained in the water, which has not previously been precipitated, precipitates out of the water and forms a floc bed or blanket of precipitated floc (not shown). rIhe oc bed or blanket of precipitated floc forms a filter through which the treated water ows on its way to the storage chamber 4. The flow directing vanes 2'I are stationarily carried by a vertically `adjustable annular shell 28 and they are curved as shown in Figure 5 of the drawings to impart rotary movement to the mixture of water and floc as it passes upwardly through the space 26. The rotative motion of the floc and water mixture reduces as the mixture passes upwardly and is finally stilled by a series of annularly spaced settling baiiies 29 which extend to the top, or approximately to the top of the lloc bed which forms at the top of the precipitation space 26' in the receptacle I. As the upward rotary movement of the oc and water mixture reduces, the oc will congregate in a filtering floc bed through which the water filters into the top of the receptacle I for flow therefrom into the treated water compartment 4. The treated water compartment may be an annular compartment formed about the upper end of the receptacle I by the annular wallv 4' which is connected to the receptacle by the bottom 4a.

The ow directing vanes 21 which provide the rotative floc distribution may be raised and lowered to admit variation of the floc concentration in the primary and secondary mixing chambers 23, and 26 respectively.

The vertical adjustment of the vanes 21 'is provided by means of manual operation of the hand wheel 30. The hand wheel 3|! is connected to a stub shaft 3| having a threaded portion 32 thereon. A nut 33 is mounted on the threaded portion 32 and has a finger 34 thereon. The finger 34 engages in a slot 35 formed in the housing 36. The stub shaft 3| is connected by a hollow connecting shaft 31 to a sprocket wheel 38 which has its hub internally screwthreaded to receive the upper threaded end 39 of the adjusting rod 40. The lower end of the adjusting rod 48 is connected in any suitable manner to the annular sheet 28 so that when the hand wheel 39 is rotated the rod 48 will be moved upwardly or downwardly for adjusting the shell 28 and baies 21 vertically. The nut 33 travels vertically on the threaded portion 32 of the shaft 3| and the nger 34 engaging the ends of the slot 35 forms a stop for limiting the vertical adjustment of the shell 28 and baiiles 21. Owing to the fact that most water treating apparatus of the type of `the present invention is relatively large it is necessary to provide more than one point of adjustable connection with the annular shell 28 and therefore a plurality of adjusting rods 4| which are similar to the rod 40 have their lower ends connected to the shell 28 at annularly spaced points. Sprockets 42 are rotatably carried by the stationary superstructure 43 supported at the top of the tank and they have ,screw threads on their hub portions the same as ture through the primary mixing chamber 23 since the pressure and velocity of the incoming raw water provides the motive force for inducing `such recirculation, thus the quantity recirculation may be varied at will by adjustment of the nozzle 9. i

A sludge settling compartment 48 is provided by means of the annular partition 48 preferably vcentrally within the receptacle directly above the primary circulation chamber 23 and the conical top 49 of the primary circulation chamber 23 forms the bottom of the sludge settlingl compartment 48. The topof the sludge compartment 48 is open and is spaced a short distance above the top of the settling baffles 29 so that as the thickness of the floc bed tends to increase it will flow over into the sludge settling compartment 48 from which it is withdrawn in a highly concentrated state through the sludge blow Off pipe 59. The sludge blow off pipe 50 has a plurality of downwardly opening inlets 5| therein,

which open downwardly into the lower portions of the sludge settling compartment 48 so that when the sludge blow off pipe is open the sludge will pass outwardly from the sludge settling compartment.

F and in the float chamber 62.

Just below the surface of the water at the top of the tank is a pipe arrangement 53 (see Fig-l ures 2 and 3) which has a plurality of inlets 54. The pipe arrangement 53 has connection through pipe 55 with the suction of the recirculating pump 56 for withdrawing treated water from the top of the water treating apparatus, and returning it to the water treating apparatus through the main or raw water supplying pipe 51 inthe manner and under the control as will be described in connection with the description of the system as shown in the drawings.

This recirculation of treated water maintains a substantially uniform fiow of water through the water treating apparatus irrespective of the load demand for treated water.

An auxiliary sludge blow off pipe 58 is mounted in the bottom of the receptacle and it has a plurality of inlet connections indicated at 59 opening downwardly for removing concentrated sludge from the bottom of the receptacle Referring particularly to the flow diagram for a Water softener method or system, as per the present invention, and as it is shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the recirculating pump 56 is shown as an electric motor driven centrifugal pump of any approved construction. The operation of the pump is controlled through a magnetic starter 69 of any approved type which can be purchased upon the open market and it is shown in diagram in Figure 11 of the drawings. Since starters of this type are well known and as its construction forms no part of the present invention it will not be specically described here. The automatic control of the operation of the recirculation pump 56 through the magnetic starter is provided by a float switch structure 6| which like the magnetic starter may be purchased upon the open market. The float switch structure 6| is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings and comprises a iioat chamber 62 for connection between suitable pipes 63 with the interior of the receptacle so that the same water level will be maintained in the receptacle The float 64 which is positioned in the iioat chamber 62 is connected by suitable linkage indicated at 65 with a tumble switch 66 which is in turn connected by suitable electric wires indicated at 61 with the magnetic starter so that the operation of the electric motor (not shown) of the centrifugal pump 56 will be controlled by the water level in the receptacle through the provision of the float 64 and tumble switch 66. A hand operated valve 68 is interposed in the pipe 55 to the suction of the pump 56. The discharge pipe 69 from the recirculating pump 56 is connected to the main raw water supply pipe 51 so that the recirculated treated water will mix with the incoming raw water and be discharged into the apparatus through the water inlet nozzle 9.

The quantity of raw water delivered to the receptacle is controlled by the level of water in the receptacle through the medium of a pressure actuated valve structure 10 positioned in the raw water supply line 51. The pressure actuated valve structure 16 is shown in section in Figure 13 of the drawings and it comprises the valve housing 1| having the valves 12 positioned therein which control the iiow of water through the valve housing and consequently through the line or pipe 51. The valve stem 13 which is connected to the valve 12 is connected to a diaphragm 14 located within a sealed housing 15.

'acoger The diaphragm 14 is urged into valvev opening position by a spring 16 and into valve closing position by the pressure of air which enters the housing 15 through a pipe connection 11. The flow of air through the pipe 11 is controlled by a fioat actuated. pilot valve 18. The oat actuated air pilot valve 18 forms a part oi liquid level control device 19 which is shown in section in Figure 12 of the drawings. The oat level control device 19 includes a housing 80 which has connection through a suitable pipe 8| with the interior of the receptacle I so that Water may flow from the receptacle I into the housing 8D and actuate the float therein. The float 8| is connected by a suitable lever 82 to the pilot valve actuating device 18 so that the pilot valve 18 will be actuated by variances in the Water level in the receptacle to control the pressure of air delivered to the valves 19 and 83, and these valves will be operated in accordance with variation in the water level in the receptacle By particularly referring to Figure l of the drawings it will be noted that the valve Ill is located outwardly of the connection between the discharge line 69 of the recirculating pump 56 with the water supply pipe l, so that the discharge supply of recirculated Water is not under control of the valve 1t. However a second pressure actuated valve structure 83 which is similar to the pressure actuated Valve 1i?, but reverse acting and which will be under control of the water level in the receptacle I through the medium of the level control iioat structure 1S is placed in the discharge line 69 to control the now of recirculated treated water into the receptacle I. Pilot lines S4 and 85 are provided which pass around the valves 'Iii and 83 respectively. These pilot lines S4 and 85' are for control of pressure actuated valve structures 86 and 81 respectively, 'which are provided for the purpose of maintaining a predetermined and constant pressure diiferential across the pressure actuated valves 1I) and B3 for the purpose of regulating or standard- .izing the quantity of fluid owing through the pressure actuated valves and 83 irrespective of 'the quantity or pressure of uid in advance "of, or at the inlet sides of the air inlet actuated valves 1d or 83. The pressure actuated valve structures 85 and. 81 are identical in construction and a section through one of them is shown in Figure 14 of the drawings.

The pressure actuated valve structures 8S and 31 each comprise a valve housing connected respectivelx,T in the lines 51 and 59 to control the 'now or the tva-ter through these lines or pipes. i:

-f51 in advance of the pressure actuated valve structure 1U, while the interior of the housing 9| upon the opposite sides of the diaphragm 90 4is connected by a pipe Q3 with the pipe 51 at the discharge or outlet side v'of the pressure actuated valve structure yso that the diaphragm B will be subjected to the .pressure of the liquid at the *inlet and voutlet sides loi the valve structure 10 Hand thus when the pressure on the discharge side .f'o pressure actuated valve 10 is :greater than the 'pressure on the inlet side of the valvejthe dial phragmSII will be depressed, opening the valves 88, Whereas the reverse is true when pressure on thev inlet of the valve 10 is greater than the pressure on the outlet side.

The lime-soda supply to the water treating apparatus is supplied from a mixing tank 94 which is fully described and disclosed in my prior Patent Number 2,842,559, issued February 22, .1944. This mixing tank structure receives its Water for mixing with the chemical from the treated Water chamber 4' through suitable pipe 95 and the quantity of the softening chemicals delivered to the receptacle I through the inlet 25 is controlled by the quantity of raw water flowing through the receptacle I through the medium of a water meter S6 Which in turn controls the de- -canting of the softening chemical from the tank 911, all as disclosed in my prior patent above mentioned. The meter 96 may be any approved structure which includes a meter actuated switch for opening and closing electrical circuits in a multi-circuit system at predetermined time intervals for controlling auxiliary devices in accordance With the rate of now of liquid through the meter. One such meter is shown in Patent 2,441,434, May ll, 1948, which shows the control of a mixing tank or the same construction as mixing tank 94.

A coagulant such as alum, ferric sulphate or similar coaguating compound is added directly to the mixing chamber of the apparatus I through a suitable pipe or nozzle Q8 which is identical to nozzle 25, in order to eliminate the possibility of scaling the softening chemical pipes. The flow of the coagulant into the receptacle I is controlled in direct proportion to the quantity of raw Water entering the softener through the medium of a magnetic starter 99 Which is controlled by the meter 96. The magnetic starter 99 is any approved Well known type which may be purchased on the open market and is similar to the magnetic starters 60, and 91 and it controls opera- -tion of the electric motor operated pump |00 which delivers the coagulant from the supply tank IUI tothe nozzle B8. The magnetic starter 91 controls operation of the motor 91 of the decanting mechanism 91a, of the mixing tank 9d. The construction, manner of installation and manner of operation of magnetic starters of this type are well known to those skilled in the present art and their specific detail of construction and manner of operation will not be described herein.

In some instances, depending upon the nature of the Water being treated it has been found desirable to feed some form of phosphate into the apparatus to change the soluble calcium carbonate hardness remaining in the treated Water after the lime-soda or softening treatment to a precipitate of calcium phosphate which is removed from the water by filtration and for the purpose of supplying such phosphate to the apparatus, an inlet nozzle pipe |02 extends into the treated water compartment 4'. The nozzle |02 receives the phosphate through a pipe |03 from a supply tank IM. The phosphate is pumped from the tank |04 by an electric motor operated pump |05. The pump IDS is under control of the meter 96 through a magnetic starter IE6 so that the amount of phosphate delivered to the treated Water compartment 4 will be in direct proportion to the quantity of raw Water entering the apparatus. The magnetic starter |06 is the same as the magnetic starters 60, 91, and 99. The

`by f the meter 96.

off from the settling chamber 48 at predetermined interval under control of the quantity of raw water fed to the receptacle l.

The auxiliary sludge blow oil 58 has a manuallyr operated valve connected thereto by means of which the removal of sludge from the bottom of the receptacle I is controlled;v

A by-pass pipe I|2 is connected tothe sludge blow on 'pipe 68 and' to the discharge line 69 ofthe Vrecirculating pump 56. rThis bynpass line I2 provides means for introducing relatively large quan titles of Water to the primary mixing space 26 during the starting up period of the apparatus', in that water discharged by the pump 56 will be bypassed through the by-pass ||2 directly into the secondary mixing chamber. The flow of water through the by-pass I|2 is controlled by a hand valve I I3. With the reduced friction head on the pump 56 the by-pass ofthe water through the by-pass |I2 permits substantially'a one hundred percent increase in flow of water from the secondary mixing chamber 26 upward through the receptacle I which will stir up-allheavily settled sludge, facilitating the efficient operation of the Yapparatus after an extended shut down.

Theby-pass II2 has a second by-passv pipe I I4 connected thereto which isin turn connected to the suction of the pump 56. A manually operated `valve ||5 controls the flow of liquid through the by-pass v| I4. When the valve ||5 is opened the :valve I|3 is of course closed. By opening the 'are all conventional magnetic starters which are manufactured by companies and are standard well known apparatus, and since their structure forms no part of the present invention it will not beV specifically described herein. Theirv construc- -tiongoperation and manner of installation are 'familiar not only to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, but to those skilled in any other art so that it is relatively common knowledge as to how they are connected and inserted inthe control circuit of an apparatus wherein they are always connectedk in an electric circuit to control the energizing and `de-energizing of motors and various kinds of electrically operated devices. Their manners of connection -in. the circuit of the apparatus depend entirely upon the various conditions of use and operation of the'appara'tus. 1

In the present instance, the magnetic starters are connected in the electrical circuits of the` op- "rating'-motors of the 'recirculating' pump 96,

motor of the' mixing tank 94, the coagulant pump |00, 'and the phosphate pump |05, respectively.

The'fiiowof electrical current through the re'- spectivemagnetic starters is in turn controlled As previously f stated; this f.'

vform of iioc.

10 meter96 may be of the type of meter such as that shown in Patent #2,441,434, May 11, 1948; of the type shown in Patent #2,355,561, August 18, 1944, or one of the many other well known types of flow meters embodying a meter actuated switch'for opening and closing individual electrical circuits in a multi-circuit system at predetermined intervals for controlling auxiliary devices in accordance with the rate of flow of liquid through 'the meter. Such meters are well known and have been used in the water treating industry for many primary mixing space 20 where it is mixed with the chemical reagent. The chemical reagent is delivered to the primary mixing space 20 through the inlet nozzle 25 from the mixing tank structure 94. The amount of chemical reagent de` livered to the primary mixing space-20 is proporl tioned to the quantity of raw water delivered" -t the primary mixing space, by the meter 96 which through its electrical switch (not shown) controls operation of the magnetic starter 9'I. The magnetic starter |06 controls operation of the mixing tank structure 94.

The mixing of the water and the chemical reagent in the primary mixing space 20 results in precipitation of some of the foreign matter or hardness producing substance in the water, in the Part of the mixture oi water, reagent and oc rises into the circulating space 23 where part of it is picked up by the eductor Il and recirculated through the primarymixing space 20. The part of the mixture oi water, reagent and floc, which does not pass through the circulating space 23 iiows in a whirling rotary bath (induced by the impingement baiile structure 22) into the secondary mixing space 26 and passes upwardly through this space 26. During the upward iiow of the mixture through the space 26 it is engaged by the flow directing vanes 21 which impart a slight rotary movement to the flowing mixture. The mixture passes into the settling or precipitation space 26 having its rotary motion ironed out by the baffies 29. In the settling or precipitation space 26 the precipitated oc settles or separates out of the mixture, forming the usual oc bed .which acts as a filter for successively treated water. The `filter ktreated water passes on upwardly through the receptacle I and ows into the storage space or compartment 4 for treated Water from whence vit is drawn off for use.

As the floc bed thickens, it, floating at the top of the mixture, will gradually run lor spill .over the top of the annular partition 4'8' into the sludge settling compartment 48 from where it is drawn off through the sludge blow off 69.` Operation of the valve |08 controlling the blow oi of sludge is controlled by the'meter 96 through its switch mechanism andthe solenoid actuated valve structure I09and time deiayrelay H0, so that sludge will be automatically drawn oil at times after5 a.

Cil

through its electric switch structure and the i magnetic starters 99 and Ito, respectively, to control the delivery of these chemicals vto the mix. ture in accordance with `predetermined quantity flow of raw water through the meter 9.5. As is wellgknown, meters of the type herein employed and embodying the .meter actuated switches .as above referred to may be set to operate the switches to operate the various ydevices controlled thereby at any desired predetermined intervals, or upon ow of any predetermined quantity ci water through the meter. Thus, .by setting of the meter parts the quantities of chemicals de -lvered to the Amixturemay be regulated to meet the requirements of the particular water being treated.

The best results and highest eiliciency of the apparatus are obtained when the apparatus is operating at full capacity, but at times during its operation .the demand for treated water is below the capacity of the apparatus, and at such times .the quantity of treated water in the storage space or compartment 4 builds up. When the miantitjv` .of treated water in the storage space reaches a predetermined level, it will through the flow OD- erated mechanism 19 cause operation oi the valve reducing the quantity of raw water delivered .to the primary mixing ,space 2t. At approximately the same time that the quantity of raw Water flowing to the primary mixing space 2i! is reduced, the recirculating pump ES will be .started through the medium of the float structure 6I and the magnetic starter tti and will draw treated Water from the receptacle i and devliver it into the pipe 5l between the valve lil and the inlet nozzle 9, thus making up in quantity the amount of water flowing through the apparatus to compensate for the reduced quantity of raw Water being delivered to the apparatus. A pressure actuated valve structure 9i is interposed between the valve 'Ill and the meter 96 and its diaphragm @d is under action of the pressures in the pipe or line 51 on opposite sides of the valve 'I0 so that if the flow or recirculated treated water is such as to cause a building up of pressure in raw water outwardly of the valve iii, the valve @I will be operated to further reduce the quantity of raw water delivered to the apv paratus. However, in the event the pressure on the opposite side of the valve I changes so that the pressure of the recirculated water and raw water inwardly of the valve 'l0 is lower than the pressure of the raw water outwardly of the valve 10, then the valve 92 will operate to supply more raw water to the apparatus, thus providing a proper quantity of flow of water through the ap l paratu's at all conditions of raw or raw and re# circulated water flow.

A valve 83 is located in the pipe 69 which de` livers the recirculated water to the apparatus, and this valve like the valve l0 is operated by and under control of the float mechanism 19. A pressure actuated valve structure 31 is connected in the linevor pipe 69 and its diaphragm 90 is under 12 action of pressure from the line 69 on opposite sides of the valve 83, so that it operates in exactly `the same manner as the pressure actuated valve structure to control and regulate the ow of recirculated water.

'Upon starting up the apparatus after it has been shut down for a period oi time itis desirable to stir up the oc or sludge Awhich may have .settled in the bottom .of the apparatus, and to provide for this the discharge line or pipe 69 of the recirculating pump 55 is connected by 4a conduit or pipe I I2 with the `sludge blow off pipe 58 so that treated water may be pumped in a reverse direction through this blow oil? :pipe 58 into the receptacle.

At times it may be desirable to add some of the mixture of water, yreagent and loc to the ingoing raw 'water to facilitate precipitation in the ap paratus land to permit this .a by--pass conduit IN is .connected to the conduit or pipe I I2 and to the suction ofthe pump .so `that the pump will draw a mixture yoi ywater reagent and doc from the bottom of the receptacle l and deliver it to the nozzle 9. Suitable valves 68, i i4, and I I5 are provided in .the various conduits leading to the pump 5S to permit this operation.

It will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the yspecific construction or arrangement of parts shown, but that they may be widely modied within the invention dened by the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space', a settling chamber and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for recirculating treated water through said spaces comprising a pump having its suction .opening into the receptacle at a point where treated water will enter the pump, a conduit connecting the discharge of said pump to the means for delivering raw water to the mixing space, a valve in said conduit, a by-pass line connected to the discharge .of said pump and opening into said mixing space for pumping treated water into the mixing space, and a valve for controlling ilow of liquid through said by-pass line.

2. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space, a settling chamber and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for recirculating treated water through said spaces comprising a pump having its suc- 'tion opening into the receptable at a point where treated water will enter the pump, a conduit connecting the discharge of said pump to the means for delivering raw water to the mixing space, a valve in said conduit, and a conduit connected to the suction .of said pump and to said mixing space for withdrawing mixed water and iloc from the mixing space and discharging it into the stream of raw water owing to the receptacle, and a valve in said last named conduit for controlling iiow of mixed Water and iloc therethrough.

3. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacl containing a rmixing space, a precipitation space, a settling chamber and a storage chamber for treated Water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water,

means for recirculating treated water through said spaces comprising a pump having its suction opening into the receptacle at a point where treated Water will enter the pump, a conduit connecting the discharge of said pump to the means for delivering raw water to the mixing space, a valve in said conduit, a conduit connected to the suction of said pump and to said mixing space for withdrawing mixed Water and floc from the mixing space and discharging it into the stream of raw water owing to the mixing space, and a by-pass line connected to the 'discharge of said pump and opening into said mixing space for pumping treated water into the mixing space, and valves controlling :tlow of' fluid through s-aid conduit and said by-pass line.

4. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage -chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for recirculating treated water through said spaces comprising a pump having'its suction opening into the receptacle'at a point beyond the furthermost point of oc and Water separation whereby treated water will enter the pump, a conduit connecting the pump discharge ito the means for delivering raw water to the receptacle, and means actuated by variances in -the level of water in the storage chamber for -independently regulating the quantities of raw water and recirculated water delivered to the receptacle. i

5. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space, .a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means fory delivering raw Water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water,

means for recirculating treated Waterthrough said spaces comprising a pump having its suction opening into the receptacle at a point beyond the furtherrnost point of fioc and water sepa- Aration whereby treated Water will enter the pump, a conduit connecting the pump discharge to the means for delivering raw water to the mixing space, means actuated by variances in the level of water in the storage chamber for Aindependently regulating the quantities of raw `water and recirculated water delivered to the mixing space, a conduit connected to the discharge of said pump and opening into said mixing space for pumping treated water from the settling chamber into the mixing space, and 'a vvalve in said conduit.

,means for recirculating treated water through Vsaid receptacle comprising a pump having its suction opening into the receptacle at a point beyond the furthermost point of oc and water separation whereby treated water will enter the r.pump from the storage chamber, a conduit connecting the pump discharge to lthe means for delivering raw Water to the mixing space, means actuated by variances in the level of water in the storage chamber for independently regulating the quantities oiv raw water andrecirculated water delivered to the mixing space, a vccnciluit 14`A connected to the suction of said pump and to the mixing space for withdrawing mixed water and oc from the mixing space and discharging it into the stream of raw water flowing to the receptacle, and a valve in said conduit.

7. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated Water, means for delivering a chemical into water in said treated water storage chamber, and means controlled by the quantity of raw water delivered to said receptacle for controlling the delivery of chemical into said storage chamber.

8. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space, a settling chamber and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated Water, mea-ns for recirculating treated water through said receptacle comprising a pump having its suction opening into the receptacle at a point where treated water will enter the pump, a conduit connecting the pump discharge to the means for delivering raw water to the mixing space, a conduit connected to the suction of said pump and to said mixing space for withdrawing mixed water and floc from the mixing space and discharging it into the stream of raw water flowing to the receptacle, a valve in said conduit, a by-pass line connected to the discharge of said pump and opening into said mixing space for pumping treated water into the mixing space, a valve in said by-pass, means for delivering a chemical into water in said treated water storage chamber, and means controlled by the quantity of raw water delivered to said mixing space for controlling the delivery of chemical into said storage chamber.

9. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw Water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for delivering a chemical into water in said treated water storage chamber, means controlled by the quantity of raw water delivered to said receptacle for controlling the delivery of chemical into said storage chamber, means for delivering a water softening chemical mixture to said vmixing space, means for delivering a coagulant to said mixing space, and means actuated by the flow of raw water to the mixing space for controlling the quantity of coagulant delivered to the mixing space in direct proportion to the quantity of raw water delivered to the mixing space. 10. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for recirculating treated watei` through said mixing space comprising a pump having its suction opening into the receptacle at a point where water separated .from the floc will enter the pump; said .pump having its discharge connected to the means for delivering raw water to the mixing space, a valve in the discharge line of said pump, a valve Minr the raw water supply line, and means actuated by variances in the water level in said .storage space for controlling loperation of said valves.

11. vIn a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means vfor delivering `raw water to be treated -to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, said raw water delivering means including a nozzle, an eductor in said mixing space into which .said nozzle discharges, means for delivering a chemical into the mixing space whereby the velocity of water discharged into said eductor by said nozzle will induce a recirculation of mixed water, chemical vand floc through said mixing space, and means for adjusting the position of .said nozzle relative to said eductor to regulate the quantity of mixed water chemicals and floc recirculated through said mixing space.

l2. In a water treating apparatus, a lreceptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitation space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water `to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet `for treated water,.said

' raw water delivering means including a nozzle,

an eductor in said mixing space into which said nozzle discharges, means for delivering a chemical into the mixing space whereby the velocity of Water discharged into said eductor by said nozzle will induce a recirculation of mixed water, chemical and iloc through said mixing space, a plurality lof stationary curved vanes spaced outwardly of the outlet of said eductor to impart a lateral and upward rotating movement to the mixture leaving the mixing space, and means for adjusting the position of said nozzle relative to said eductor to regulate the quantity of mixture of water, chemicals and noe recirculated through said mixing space.

13. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated -to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, said raw water delivering means including a nozzle, an eductor in said mixing space into which said nozzle discharges, means for delivering a chemical into the mixing space whereby the velocity of water discharged into said eductornby said nozzle will induce a recirculation of mixed water, 'chemical and floc through said Vmixing space, a plurality of stationary curved vanes spaced outwardly of the outlet oi said eductor to'impart a llateral and upward rotating movement to the mixture leaving the mixing space, and a plurality of angular flow directing vanes in the path of the mixture flowing from the curved vanes to the precipitating space.

14. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated Water, sa-id raw Water delivering means including a nozzle, an eductor in said mixing space into which said norzle discharges, means for delivering a chemical vof the outlet of said eductor to impart a lateral and upward rotating movement to the mixture leaving the mixing space, a partition within said precipitating space and forming a floc settling chamber, and a plurality of angular ow directing vanes in the path of the mixture flowing from said curved vanes to the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution of the oc mixture into the lower'portion of the oc settling chamber.

l5. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, said raw water delivering means including a nozzle, an eductor in said mixing space into which said nozzle discharges, means for delivering a chemical into the mixing space, whereby the velocity of water discharged into said eductor by said nozzle will induce a recirculation of mixed water, chemical `and floc through said mixing space, a plurality of stationary curved vanes spaced outwardly of the outlet of said eductor 'to impart a lateral and upward rotating movement to the mixture leaving the mixing space, a partition within :said precipitating space and forming a oc settling chamber, a plurality of angular ow directing vanes in the path of the mixture flowing from said curved vanes to the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution of the oc mixture into the lower portion of the iloc settling chamber, and means for adjusting the position of said flow directing vanes to provide variation of the loc concentration in the mixing space.

16. In a water treating apparatusfa receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated Water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, said raw water delivering means including a nozzle, an eductor in said mixing space into which said nozzle discharges, means for delivering a chemical into the mixing space whereby the velocity of water discharged into said eductor by said vnozzle will induce a recirculation of mixed water, chemical and oc through said mixing space, a plurality of stationary curved vanes spaced outwardly of the outlet of said eductor to impart a lateral and upward rotating movement to the mixture leaving the mixing space, a partition Within said precipitating space and forming a floc settling chamber, a plurality of angular iiow directing vanes in the path of the mixture flow.- ing from said curved vanes to the precipitating space Ato provide rotary distribution of the floc mixture into the lower portion of the floc settling chamber, and a fioc vblow-ofi connection communicating with the lower portion of ysaid floc settling chamber.

17. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle `containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a Settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to vbe treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, said raw water delivering means including a nozzle, an eductor in said mixing space into which said nozzle discharges, means for delivering a chemical into the mixing space whereby the velocity of water discharged into said eductor by said nozzle will induce a recirculation of mixed water, chemical and oc through said mixing space, a

directing vanes to provide variation of the oc concentration in the mixing space, and a floc -blow-off connection communicating with the lower portion of said floc settling chamber.

518.` In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle `containing a mixing space, a precipitating space,

a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, meansV for delivering raw water to' be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet'for treated water, said raw water'delivering means'including a nozzle,

-an eductor in said mixing space into which said nozzle discharges, means for delivering a chemical into the mixing space whereby the velocity ofy water discharged into said eductor by said 4nozzle will induce a recirculation of mixed water, chemical and iloc through said mixing space, a

plurality of stationary curved vanes spaced outwardly of the outlet of said eductor to impart a lateral and upward rotating movement to the mixture leaving the mixing space, a partition within said precipitating 4space and forming a -oc` settling chamber, a plurality of angular flow directing vanes in the path of the mixture flowing from said curved vanes to the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution oi the oc mixture into the lower portion of the yiioc settling chamber, means for adjusting the position of said flow directing vanes to provide variation of the floc concentration in the mixing space, a oc blow-,off connection communicating with the lower portion of said floc settling chamber, and

4a second fioc flow-off connection opening into said receptacle at the lowermost portion thereof below said mixing space.

19.?In"a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, asettling chamber, and a storage chamber for 'treated water, means for delivering raw water to be! treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water,

, -me'ans for delivering a treating chemical into said mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture 'of treating chemical, water and precipitated ffloc through the mixing space, a plurality oi angular 'flow-directing vanes in the path of the mixture of chemicals, water and iioc from the mixing space to the precipitating space, and means for adjusting the position of said 'flow-directing vanes to provide variation of the floc concentravfor inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical, water and precipitated 'oc through the mixing space, a plurality of angular flowdirectingvanes in the path of the mixture of "chemicals, water and floc from the mixing space to the precipitating space, meansL fol: adjusting 118 the position of said flow-directing vanes to provide variation of the iloc concentration in the mixing space, and radially extending flow stilling bailles in said precipitating space.

21. In a water treating appaartus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to vsaid mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for delivering a treating chemical into said mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical, water and. precipitated floc through the mixing space, a partition within said precipitating space forming a yfloc settling chamber, a plurality of angular flow-directing vanes in the path of the mixture iiowing from said mixing space to the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution Vof the floc mixture into the lower portion of the iloc settling chamber, and means for adjusting 4the' position of said flow-directing vanes to provide variation of the loc concentration in the mixing space.

22. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet forv treated water, means for delivering a treating chemical into said mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical, water and precipitated floc through the mixing space, a partition within said precipitating space forming a floc settling chamber, a plurality of angular flow-directing vanes in the path of the mixture flowing from said mixing space to the precipitating space, means for adjusting the position of said flow-directing vanes to provide variation of the oc concentration in the mixing space, and a floc blow-off connection communicating with the lower portion of said oc settling chamber.

23. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for delivering a treating chemical into said mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical,- water and precipitated floc through the mixing space, a partition within said precipitating space forming a fioc settling chamber, a plurality of angular now-directing vanes in the path of the mixture flowing from said mixing space to the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution of the floc mixture into the lower portion of the floc settling chamber, means for delivering chemical into water in the treated water storage chamber, and means controlled by the quantity of raw water delivered to said mixing space for controlling the delivery of chemical into the storage chamber.

24. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, 'a settling chamber, and a storage'chamber for treated water, means `for delivering raw Water to be treated to said mixing space', said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for delivering a treating chemicalv into 'said mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture or treating chemical, water and precipitated floc through :the mixing space, a partition'within said precipitating space forming a floc settling chamber, a

.plurality of angular flow-directing vanes in the .path of the mixture flowing from said mixing spacey tothe precipitating space to impart rotary distribution of the floc mixture into the lower portion of the floc settling chamber, means for .adjusting the position of said flow-directing vanes vto provide variation of the oc concentration in lthe mixing space, means for delivering a coagulant to said mixing. space, and means actuated by lthe flow of raw water to the mixing space for controlling the quantity of coagulant delivered tothe mixing space in direct proportion to the fquantity of raw water delivered to the mixing space.

25. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle `containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a' settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated Water,V

means for delivering a treating chemical into said mixing space, means in said mixing space vfor inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical, water and precipitated oc through the mixing space, a partition within said precipitating space forming a floc settling chamber, a plurality of angular flow-directing vanes in the ypath of the mixture owing from said mixing .treated water through the receptacle including a pum-p having im suction connected to a source of treated water in the receptacle and its discharge connected' to the means for delivering raw water to the mixing space.

26. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for delivering a treating chemical into said mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical, water and precipitated flocy through the mixing space, a partition within said prec'ipiw tatingspacey forming a flocsettling chamber, a plurality of angular now-directing vanes in the path of the mixture flowing from said mixing spacel t the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution of the flocmixture into the lower portion of the noe settling chamber, means for adjusting the position of said now-directing vanes to provide variation of the fioc concentration in the mixing space, means for recirculating treated Water through the receptacle including a pump having its suction connected to a source of treated water in the receptacle and its discharge connected to the means for delivering raw water to the mixing space, and means operated by variances in the level of water in the storage chamber for shutting 01T said pump when the apparatus approaches full capacity operation.

27. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a, precipitatingspace, a .settling chamber. and e storage chamber for treated. Water, means for delivering raw water to be treated. to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for delivering a. treating chemical into said mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical, water and precipitated floc through .the mixing space, a partition within said precipitating space forming a floc settling chamber, a plurality ofv angular now-directing vanes in the path of the mixture flowing from said mixing space to the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution of the floc mixture into the lower portion of the oc settling chamber, means for adjusting the positionv of said now-directing vanes to provide variation of the floc concentration in the mixing space, a conduit having its inlet opening into the receptacle at a point for receiving treated water into the conduit, a recirculating pump, the outlet of said conduit con- 'nected to the suction of. said pump, a conduit ,connected to the discharge of said pump and. to said raw water delivering means whereby treated water may be recirculated through the receptacle, a pressure-actuated valve in the conduit connected to the discharge of said pump, a pressure actuated valve in the raw water supply means, and means `actuated by variances in the water level in said storage space for controlling operation of said pressure actuated valves. 28. In a water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, a settling chamber, and a storage chamberl for treated Water, means for delivering raw Water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage chamber having an outlet for treated water, means for delivering a treating chemical into said `mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical, waterand precipitated oc through the {mixing space, a partition within said precipitat- 'ing space forming a, floc settling chamber, a plurality of angular now-directing vanes in the path 'I of the mixture owing from said mixing space to the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution of the floc mixture into the lower portion of the floc settling chamber, means for adjusting the position of said flow-directing vanes to provide variation of the floc concentration in the mixing space, a conduit having its inlet opening into the receptacle at a point for receiving treated water into the conduit, a recirculating pump, the outlet of said conduit connected to the suction of said pump, a conduit connected to the discharge of said pump and to said raw water delivering means whereby treated water may be recirculated through the receptacle, a pressureactuated valve in the conduit connected to the discharge of said pump, a pressure-actuated valve in the raw water supply means, means actuated by variances in the water level in said storage space for controlling operation of said pressure actuated valves, and means for maintaining a predetermined and constant pressure differential across said pressure-actuated valves for standardizing the quantity of water ilowing through the pressure-actuated valves irrespective of the quantity or pressure of the liquids in the lines in advance of the valves.

29. In a. Water treating apparatus, a receptacle containing a mixing space, a precipitating space, asettling chamber, and a storage chamber for treated water, means for delivering raw water to be treated to said mixing space, said storage 75 chamber having 'an outlet for. treated water.

21 means for delivering a treating chemical into said mixing space, means in said mixing space for inducing a recirculation of a mixture of treating chemical, water and precipitated iioc through the mixing space, a partition within said precipitating space forming a floc settling chamber, a plurality of angular flow-directing vanes in the path of the mixtureowing from said mixing space to the precipitating space to provide rotary distribution of the oc mixture into the lower portion of the oc settling chamber, means for adjusting the position of' said now-directing vanes to provide variation of the lloc concentration in the mixing space, a conduit having its inlet opening into the receptacle at a point for receiving treated water into the conduit, a recirculating pump, the outlet of said conduit connected to the suction of said pump, a conduit connected to the discharge of said pump and to said raw water delivering means whereby treated water may be recirculated through the receptacle, a pressure-actuated valve in the conduit-connected to the discharge of said pump, a pressurea'ct'uated valve in the raw water supply means, means actuated by variances in the water level in said storage space for controlling operation of said pressure-actuated valves, means for maintaining a predetermined and constant pressure difierential across said pressure-actuated valves for standardizing the quantity of water ilowing through the pressure-actuated valves irrespective of the quantity or pressure of the liquid in the lines in advance of the valves, and adjustable means for regulating the quantity of the mixture of the Water, chemicals and precipitate .recirculated through said mixing space.

JOSEPH F. SEBALD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the yiile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

